RANDOM RHYMES 




Class _^^_,2.0y 

Book ■ £dS/f^3 

Copyright 1^° y?/?^ 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




COOPKR'8 HOLLOW 



Overhanging crags on either side 
Form grottoes, ivherei/i might reside 
Dark goblin of an eastern story. 



RANDOM RHYMES 



BY 

ROBERT L. PEMBERTON 



ORACLE PRESS 

ST. MARYS, WEST VIRGINIA 

1904 



LifiRAKYcf CONGRESiij 


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NOV 7 


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COPYRIGHT, 1904, 
BY ROBERT L. PEMBERTOM. 






DKBlCATliD TO A. B. P. 



PREFACE 

THE title of this book was sug-gested by 
the heading-, 'Random Remarks," under 
which I have contributed to The St. Marys 
Oracle a column for several years, and in which 
many of the verses made their first appearance. 
The local nature of several of the poems may 
be attributed to the same source. 

I have made no attempt to classify the work, 
but rather I have taken the poems at hap- 
hazard, preferring- that they should appear as 
they were written, without method and with- 
out other object than to meet the occasion that 
led to their composition. 

RoBT. L. Pkmbkrton. 
St. Marys, W. Va., 
Sept. 25, 1904. 



TABLK OF CONTENTS 



PAGK 

Desire 11 

When the Service Is in Bloom .... 12 

A Winter's Morning- 14 

The Avowal 15 

On the Death of John B. Goug-h 16 

The Lute ^ 19 

*'Montani Semper Liberi" 20 

To a Bee in January 21 

In the Sweet Smelling Hay 23 

The Ohio Vallev . . .\ 25 

The Traveler " 26 

The Cicada 27 

By Order of the Health Board 29 

BiirsFad , 31 

Retrospection 33 

A Sad, Sad Son^ .... 36 

June 38 

In the Season 40 

The Plum Pudding- 42 

Song of the Tramp 44 

Spring- 46 

Artistic Jack 47 

To Grif Alexander 49 

What Ag-e is This? 51 

A Happy New Year 54 

The Hammock Boat 56 

From the Hill 58 

Berry Time 61 

Evelyn 63 



TABI.K OF CONTENTS — CONTINUED 

PAGE 



Anticipation ...... 


65 


The Old Man 


66 


On the Ohio 


67 


Peg-g-y Detected 


68 


Hot Weather 


69 


Love's Domain 


71 


The Art of Living- .... 


72 


Yet There Is Glory 


74 


A Married Man's Musings 


76 


A Wedding Gift 


79 


Cooper's Hollow .... 


80 


A December View 


82 


Drivin' Down the Pike 


85 


Down Long- Run 


87 


Mv Comrades .... 


89 


A Little Rhyme 


91 


The Canoe 


93 


A Memory .... 


96 


Doolin 


97 


Fall Limericks 


99 


The Long Run School 


101 


The Veterans 


106 


The Bridge of Ice 


108 


When the Heart Is in It 


110 


Vanitas Vanitatis .... 


112 


Wanita 


113 


Santa Claus 


117 


A Knight of Old 


120 


Pictures in the Fire 


122 


Ambitious Gardening- 


124 


Confidence 


126 



RANDOM RHYMES 



DESIRE 

IF aught of mine 
Should bring- a thrill of pleasure to a soul, 
Stirring- the blood like draught of sparkling 
wine, 
Then would I reach my goal. 

If aught I write 
Should banish sorrow from a stricken heart, 
Ev'n for a moment, it were great delight 
That I had done mj part. 

Could I but know 
That work of mine has helped some struggling 

one 
In life's great battle, I could calmly go, 
Believing it well done. 

Yet not content, 
But wishing that I might again reach forth 
To give my Master, for the gift he lent, 
Tenfold its simple worth. 



12 RANDOM RHYMES 



WHEN THE SERVICE IS IN BLOOM. 

LAZINESS, some people call it; 
But the J cannot understand: 
Energ-y cannot forestall it, 

And it yields to no command; 

But upon me comes the feeling*, 

Certain as the crack of doom, 

Every nerve like drunkard reeling, 

When the service is in bloom. 

Listless languor takes possession -^ 

Labor is a thing- abhorred; 
I am plunged in deep depression 

When I'm asked to trim the sward; 
Office work is something dreadful. 

Filling me with deepest gloom. 
For of longings I 've a head full, 

When the service is in bloom. 

Want to answer Nature, calling 

To the woods and streams and hills; 

Want to hear the water falling 
O'er the dam at Sylvan Mills; 



WHEN THE SERVICE IS IN BLOOM 13 



For I know the bass are waiting-, 
Open-mouthed, below the flume, 

And they '11 bite without debating- 
When the service is in bloom. 

Don't you feel it coming- o'er you? 

Don't you want to sit and laze 
With a living stream before you 

Whirling- in a frothy maze, 
And to see the cork go bobbing 

Through the snowy, sparkling spume? 
Don't you feel a feverish throbbing 

When the service is in bloom? 



14 RANDOM RHYMES 



A WINTER'S MORNING 

WHEN all is drear and chill without, 
When cold the western breezes blow. 
And skirr the clouds in ragg-ed rout, 

And nature seems man's fiercest foe, 
Well sheltered in our little cot, 

What matter how the wild winds roar? 
With love we laugh and bless our lot, — 
All care is barred beyond the door. 

Yet comes a thought that chills our joy: 

Somewhere thro' biting winds doth roam,^^ 
Some wife's true love, some mother's boy. 

Ill-clad, unsheltered, far from home. 
God help the luckless wand'rer through, 

And guide him to a home of rest! 
Aud God help him who never knew 

The pangs of pity in his breast! 



THK AVOWAL 15. 



THE AVOWAL 

I KNOW not if jou love me — 
Your lips have never spoken; 
The cloud of doubt above me 
As yet remains unbroken. 

But, in the tender glances 

Now from your dark eyes straying-, 
I think that Cupid dances — 

His secret thus betraying-. 

And in the rosy blushes 

Your snowy forehead dyeing-, 

I feel the love-g-od rushes, 
All cold restraint defying-. 

Oh, fly me not, fair maiden! 

What is it you are fearing? 
With love your lips are laden 

And no one is in hearing. 

Ah! now I know you love me! 

By every sacred token! 
The sky is clear above me 

Since your red lips have spoken! 



16 RANDOM RHYMES 



ON THK DKATH OF JOHN B. GOUGH 

WEEP! He is dead, who long- had rung 
The pealing changes of our cause; 
He, gifted with the god-like tongue, 
On whose rich accents thousands hung 

And thundered loud applause. 
Ay, he is dead — but such a death 

As seldom hero gains: 
Still teaching with his latest breath. 
As did that One of Nazareth, 

Immortal truths divine; 
And striving still to break the chains 

That hold men slaves to wine. 

All honor to the dead! who fell 

While striving yet for men: 
Honor the dead! and softly toll the bell. 
And let the deep tones tell 

His praise again! 

He called the weak 

Back to the strength of youth; 
Brought color to the wasted cheek 

With hope and truth. 



ON THE DEATH OF JOHN B. GOUGH 

He went where others feared: 

Pierced through the dismal g-loom, 
And hearts, all hope-forsaken, cheered— 

Saved them from doom. 
He spent his life, his all, to save 
The drunkard from unhonored g-rave, 

The young- from tempter's snare; 
The wife, the children, from the wave — 

The ocean — of despair! 
Oh, such a life as his were worth 

A dynasty of kings! 
'Tis better far to raise from earth 
Men fallen from their noble birth 

And lost to conscience' sting-s. 
Than o'er the land and o'er the sea 
To have a boasted empery; 
Than in the Senate halls to stand. 
Or mighty armies to command. 

Yet will he live; both where the soul 

All happy dwells for aye. 
And on this earth, where our control 

Dies not with day. 
Our hero in his work will live; 
His deeds to other men will give 

An inspiration sweet; 
And as the oak's deep shades protect 

Flowers from solar heat, 
So, 'neath his shadow will collect 
Fair armies which he '11 yet direct 

To victory complete! 



18 KANDOM RHYMES 



All honor to the dead! and be his name 

Our watchword for the right; 
For as the phoenix from the dying flame, 

So shall he rise and fight 
Till glorious day o'ercome the fated night! 

All honor to the dead! who fell 

While striving yet for men! 
Honor the dead! and softly toll the bell, 
And let the deep tones tell 

His praise again! 



THE I.UTE 19 



THE LUTE 



THERE lies a lute that sweetW told 
Of tender love in days of old; 
But tarnished are its bands of «:old. 
And broken are its strings. 

No more in Luna's favoring- beam 
It thrills with all-enticing theme^ 
And wakes the lady from her dream,. 
Blest with the joy it brings. 

No more the vines are pushed apart, 
To let the roses downward dart, 
Bearing the troth of trusting heart — 
The serenader's gains. 

Happy the youth of proud Castile, 
Who thus could make his fond appeal I 
Sweet the reward for ardent zeal 
And the lute's mellow strains. 

But customs change: that time is gone;. 
Sightless the eyes that brightly shone; 
Withered the hand that woke the tone 
Of strings that now are mute! 

Yet lives on earth the same fond love. 
And falls the gage from lips above, 
While breezes blow in neighb'ring grove,. 
Instead of silent lute! 



20 RANDOM RHYMES 



*'MONTANI SEMPER LIBERI." 

WHERE is perfect freedom found? 
Banished from Plataea's plain, 
Driven from the hallowed ground, 

Far across th' Atlantic main; 
Seek it: ye shall find it thrills 
Throug-h the West Virg-inia hills! 

Where is manhood? Where is power? 

Not in kingdoms long- decayed; 
Not where springs the noisome flower 

In some ancient ruin's shade: 
Find them 'mid the rocks and rills 
Of the West Virginia hills! 

Fair, though wild and rugged land. 
Forceful is thy mountain air; 

Jlonest heart and ready hand 
Flourish in thy fostering care: 

"Men of free, unconquered wills 

Dwell on West Virginia hills! 



TO A BEE IN JANUARY 21 



TO A BEE IN JANUARY. 

WHAT tempted thee to venture forth, 
Brown toiler of the flower? 
For thee there 's little now of worth 
While Winter holds his power. 

What rog-uish calendar hast thou 

Hung- on thy waxen wall, 
To tell thee that 'tis summer now, 

When thick the snow-flakes fall? 

Perhaps the sun, that lately warmed, 

As with relenting" heart, 
Woke thee from dreams of life, and charmed 

Thee with its g-olden dart. 

And thou, all trembling- with the joy 

Of spring's congenial birth, 
Hast left thy hive to seek employ 

Upon the forward earth. 

But lo! scarce were thy wings outspread^ 

When northern winds arose; 
The fair but fickle sun had fled, 

And fell the cruel snows. 



22 RANDOM KHYMP:S 



Now, driven bj the freezing- blast, 
Which thou wouldst vainl}^ flj, 

All chill and numb, thou'rt roug-hly cast 
Upon the ground to die! 

Fast, fast the falling- snow-liakes screen 
Thee from my pitying- sight — 

Thy life was 'inid broad fields of green, 
Thy death 'mid fields of white I 

So Fortune lures, with many a charm, 

Man from his calm retreat: 
Then leaves him strug-g-ling- in the storm, 

Till death itself seem sweet! 



IN THK SWEKT-SMKLLING HAY 23 



IN THE SWEET- SMELLING HAY. 



WHEN the leaves softly fall in the cool 
autumn breeze, 
And the sun casts a shimmer of gold on the 

trees. 
And the blue of the sk}^ has descended to earth, 
And the knowledge of plenty gives all the 

world mirth. 
Then, with heart full of joy, I remember the 

day 
That we spent in the barn, in the sv/eet-smell- 

ing hay. 



With the choicest of fruit from the orchard 
below, 

(I have oft wondered since if such apples yet 
grow, ) ■ 

Through the great double door we ran mer- 
rily in. 

And arousing the clucking old hens with our 
din, 

Up the ladder we mounted, though gloomy 
the wa}'. 

Till vre nestled like birds in the sweet-smelling 
hay. 



24 RANDOM RHYMES 



While without there was chill of the fall in 
the air, 

In the loft of the barn, warmth of summer was 
there; 

And the flavor of rambos was rich to the taste, 

As the riddles went round in a feverish haste ; 

And true happiness beamed from each face as 
we lay, 

With the wealth of our childhood, in sweet- 
smelling* hay. 

I have read of rare banquets at richest of 
boards. 

Where the viands were best that the whole 
earth affords; 

Where the wit was the keenest, and epigrams 
flew 

Round the board like the fireflies in midsum- 
mer dew; 

But no feast is so rare, and no wit is so gay, 

As the feast and the wit in the sweet-smelling- 
hay. 



THK OHIO VALLEY 25- 



THE OHIO VALLEY. 

Q ING, if you will, of western clime, 
"^^ Of clearest skies and heights sublime, 
Where nature with a lavish hand, 
Lays all her gifts at man's command; 
Yet, were I there, my heart would pine 
To see again this vale of mine. 

Sweet Valle}^ of Ohio! When 
Thou openest thy joys to men, 
There's not on earth a spot more fair. 
With brighter sky or softer air. 
More full of beauty fresh and good, 
More in attune with loving mood. 
More merry with the feathered choir. 
More rich in all the heart's desire! 

And whether hid from winter's sun,. 
Thy fields a-cold. thy hillsides dun, 
Thy singing birds in southern flight, 
Thy rivulets all mute and white. 
Or, roused by the great pulse of time. 
Rejoicing in a power sublime. 
Clad in a wealth of glorious green 
And smiling back at sky serene, 
I love thee! Be thou calm or rude, 
I love thee in thy every mood. 



26 RANDOM RHYMES 



THE TRAVELER. 



BRONZED wanderer o'er the varied earth, 
Return unto thy home of youth! 
Retake thy place before the hearth; 
Thy parents' closing- moments soothe! 

White as the snow that crowns the mount 
Thy father's scattered hairs have grown; 

Thy mother's tears burst from the fount, 
And oft is heard her wear}^ moan. 

Oh, speed thee, Traveler, o'er the land! 

Oh, haste thee o'er the ocean's foam! 
Leap lightly on thy native strand, 

And turn thine eager steps towards home! 

Woe, woe the day! Too late, too late! 

Beneath those mounds thy parents bide; 
The fire hath died within the grate 

With those who perished at its side! 

A voiceless house, a cheerless home! 

Alas, such is no home for thee: 
Forth, Traveler, and aimless roam 

O'er foreign land and distant sea. 

Go; search the world for unknown rest; 

Pursuing peace, to battle fly; 
But never shalt thou end thy quest 

Until thou liest down to die. 



THE CICx\DA 27 



THE CICADA. 

HIDDEN in the apple tree, 
Closely to the rough bark clitig-ing-, 
Colored like the bark is he, 
Veiling- himself modestly, 

Yet not modest in his sing-ing-. 

Very simple is his tune, 

And it has no variation; 
Starting" low, he rises soon 
Till he's hig-her than the moon, 

Soaring- over all creation. 

Now he makes the v/clkin ring-. 
Leader of the insect chorus. 

Overpowering- everything; 

Beats the frogs of early spring- — • 
To the marrow does he bore us. 

Ha! at last he's reached his heig-ht! 

Thank the Lord, he has a limit I 
Now he falls in easy flight, 
Just as sleep comes in the night, 

And he makes no haste to trim it. 

So he sings from his retreat 

That the dog days are around us; 



28 RANDOM RHYMES 



Sings about the awful heat, 
Sing-s that summer is complete, 
Does his utmost to confound us. 

Crackling like X-raj machine; 

Whirring like a young horse-fiddle; 
Shriller voiced than cricket keen; 
Striving to be heard, not seen — 

Stops his song right in the middle 1 

Glory be! The sand wasp hears; 

To the apple tree she hurries 
And the loud musician spears! 
Give the sand wasp rousing cheers — 

She has slain one of our worries! 

Duly licensed poets may, 

O Cicada! sing your glory; 
For myself, I only say 
I prefer you far away — 

Far from my nerves auditory. 



BY ORDER OF HEALTH BOARD 29 



BY ORDER OF HKALTH BOARD. 

I^ET jour rake and shovel, neig-hbor, 
^ On the fence-post hang- your coat, 
Earnestly betake to labor 

In the pasture of the goat; 
For the Health Board gives us warning 

That V7e may not disreg-ard, 
And in spite of all our scorning- 

We must clean up our backyard. 

Death to microbes and baccilli ! 

That's the cry this merry spring-; 
They must vanish, willy-nilly, 

'Fore the White (domestic) Wing-. 
Here's a harvest of old rubbers, 

Rusty tin and glinting- shard. 
For the Health Board — lazy lubbers — 

Makes us clean up our backyard. 

Heap the stuff up in the center; 

Build a high funereal pyre; 
Gateway for microbes to enter 

Place where there is hotter fire. 
Dance the Death Dance as we feed it 

VYith a pleasure all unmarred. 
For the Health Board has decreed it — 

We must clean up our backyard. 



30 RANDOM KHYMES 



See the rudd}' flames ascending", 

Lig"hting- up the evening" skj! 
Hear the snapping microbes ending^ 

Life with a despairing^ cry! 
Every spark that upward rises 

Is a microbe's soul, ill-starred, 
For the Health Board so advises — 

We must clean up our back\'ard» 



bill'.s fad 31 



BILL'S FAD. 

THERE'S joy for him who casts aside 
The troubles of the shop, 
Who grailj hurries home to ride 

His hobby to the drop; 
His mind is fresh, his heart is light, 

His dreaming- makes him glad: 
A vision comes before his sight — 
A vision of his fad. 

No matter how the work may «-o 

Bill's face is always bright; 
The belts may slip, machine run slow^ 

Nought in the shop go right, 
And everyone may have the blues, 

The boss be swearing ma.d; 
But Bill, in nearing distance, views, 

The coming of his fad. 

The goodwife laughs to hear him laugh 

The children dance in glee; 
He greets them all with merry chaftV 

And all goes happily; 
For he has left the shop behind 

With all the cares he had, 
And turns with free and cheering mind 

Unto his darling fad. 



32 RANDOM RHYMES 



His home to him is paradise, 

Where he has treasures rare; 
His children cherubs in disg-uise, 

His wife an ang-el fair; 
Bill's happiest when to their jojs 

One pleasure he can add; 
For home, and wife, and g-irls and boys 

Make up Bill's only fad. 



RETROSPECTION 33 



RETROSPECTION. 

WITH eyelids half closed, as I sit in my 
chair, 
Fantastic blue smoke-wreaths incensing the 

air, 
My fancy reverts through the mellowing haze 
To the days of my boyhood — those wonderful 

days! 
I can't help remarking how strikingly strange 
The things of that day look from such a long 

range! 

Since I was a boy, everything has grown 

smaller, 
Or else in those days they were wider and 

taller. 
The creek was then twice as far distant from 

town; 
The hill that we coasted so merrily down — 
I'm surprised when I look at it! — short and 

so low. 
It's hard to see how we could make a sled go! 
Then the great Lover's Leap — those gigantic 

old rocks, 
Defiant of tempest and dynamite shocks — 



34 KANDOM KHYMKS 



The monument common, where many a name 
Has been chiseled with tenpenny nails into 

fame — 
Those wonderful rocks have so dwindled in 

size 
That really it's hard to believe\my own eyes. 

Not only these places, but also some people. 
Who used to loom up as immense as a steeple; 
The teacher, the preacher, the lawyer, physi- 
cian. 
Were g'reat, awful being-s, of mig-hty position; 
But now, wlien I look at them close, I can see 
They 're just human creatures like you and 
like me. 

Another affair that I hardly see throug-h, 
Although it may be very easy for you — 
It 's common enoug-h, ne'ertheless it is queer: 
When I was a lad, in my tenth or twelfth 

year, 
I knew several g-irls of the same ag-e precisely; 
Tog'ether we played and we g-ot along- nicely; 
But in a few years they had g-rown so much 

faster 
Than I, that I suffered a mental disaster; 
They played no more g-ames; they talked only 

of "mashes". 
Forsaking- smooth lips for those g-raced with 

mustaches. 



KETKOSPKCTION 35 



A bothersome puzzle — It near drove me mad 
To think they had gTov/n twice as fast as I 

had! 
For, two sets of 3^ears could there possibly be, 
The short ones for them, and the long ones 

for me ? 
But stranger than that: as the years saunter- 
ed on, 
I having arrived at mature tv/enty-one, 
By some necromantical, mystical means, 
Those very same ladies were still in their 
teens. 



36 RANDOM RHYMES 



A SAD, SAD SONG. 

THERE lives a girl on Whiskey Run,- 
Sitig- ho, she is a daisy! 
Her eyes are green, her hair is dun, 
Her nose is like a hot-cross bun, 
The sig-ht of her will cattle stun 
And drive the chickens crazy. 

There is a man who loved this maid, — 

Sing- ho, he is a looney! 
He courted her by nig-ht, it's said, 
To look by day he was afraid; 
Yet, kissing in the deepest shado, 

He grew a trifle spooney. 

For she is rich in her own right, — 

Sing ho, the power of money! 
IVith wealth a man may have delight, 
E'en though he can 't endure the sight 
Of her who makes his prospects bright; 
Say, doesn't that seem funny ? 

Alas, he saw his girl one day, — 
Sing ho, but that was awful ! 
He cracked his fists and ran away, 
Nor love nor money could him stay; 



A SAD, SAD SONG 37 



He asked two men of law, and they 
Said running- off was lawful. 

There is a place he'll always shun, — 
Sing- ho, his brain is hazy! 

He '11 never g-o on Whiskey Run, 

At least, when shines the blessed sun; 

He'd rather face a loaded g-un. 
Than meet that mountain daisy. 



38 RANDOM RHYMES 



JUNE. 

50 this is June, 
The month of roses! 
The year's forenoon, 
When nature poses 
In richest g-arb of rippling- g-reen; 
Sure, June of all the months is Queen! 

Her sister, May, 

Is bright and cheery, 
And drives away 

Sad thoughts and dreary. 
Yet sometimes cold her breath becomes 
And then the yearning heart she numbs. 

And April 's coy: 

She weeps in laughter; 
She gives us joy. 

But grief comes after, 
I like not these uncertain ones — • 
Oive me the friend who steady runs. 

July 's intense: 

She has a fashion 
Of violence 

With ardent passion; 
I fear the calms of proud July, 
For then I know a storm is nig^h. 



JUNE 39 



But June is true, 

Pure-hearted, tender, 
From skies of blue 
Her radiant splendor 
Is shed upon the answerin.sf earth — 
All Nature testifies her worth. 

All have confessed 

Her breath the sweetest; 
In emerald dressed 
Her form completest; 
Let others choose what month they will, 
The queenly June's my favorite still. 



40 RANDOM RHYMES 



IN THE SEASON. 

TO the hills the sportsmen hurry 
With intent to kill; 
Squirrels now have cause to worry^ 
If the boys have skill. 
Hear the popping- ! 
Never stopping- ! 
Squirrels dropping-? 
Game score nil. 

I myself once went a hunting- 
Armed with dog- and gun; 
Did the tallest kind of stunting-, 
Had a lot of fun; 
Rocky scrambles, 
Scored by bram.bles, 
In my rambles; 
Squirrels? None. 

Strenuous the sportsman's calling; 

Much he must endure; 
Tramping-, climbing, creeping, 'crawling-, 
Following the spoor; 
Puffing, wheezing; 
Heat unceasing; 
Gun increasing; 
Touofh? Be sure. 



IN THK SEASON 41 



Now by proxy altogether 

Do I g"0 for g-ame; 
And I never worry whether 
He walks sound or lame; 
I'm not caring- 
How he's faring-, 
Though I'm sharing 
Just the same. 

Snug at home I eat my ration 

When it suits my will; 

And I let Imagination 

Traverse vale aud hill; 

Quail or pheasant 

Is my present 

From my pleasant 

Fancy's skill. 



42 KANDOM RHYMES 



THE PLUM PUDDING. 

I SING of the Christmas Plum Pudding-, 
To every Eng-lishman dear: 
Reminder of g-lories departed, 
And earnest of those to appear. 

The Frenchman may tickle your palates 

With ecstasies done up in joy; 
But still there's a place for the pudding. 

In spite of the dainties that cloy. 

Its origin 's lost in the ages; 

We only can wonder how first 
That spherical marvel of Christmas 

On gladdened humanity burst. 

Conceived in the brain of a poet; 

Compounded by alchemist wise; 
The King of the Cooks then prepared it, 

And gave to the world a surprise! 

Surrounded by memories sacred. 

And hallowed through numberless years; 
The crowning delight of the table 

And finest of Christmas "good cheers!" 



THE PIvUM PUDDING 43 



Behold now the pudding- approaching- 

In due and appropriate state, 
All steaming- and blazing- in g-lory, — 

A wonderful world new create! 

See, under that thin epidermis 

Are gems of exceeding- g-reat worth: 

Rich amethysts, topazes, rabies — 

You'll find not their like in the earth. 

There's joy in the rare exhalations 
That rise from the richest of spheres. 

And from it we breathe the sweet essence 
Of Friendship enduring- thro' years. 

All hail to the Christmas PIu;ii Pudding-! 

All hail to the symbol of peace! 
May cooks never fail in its making-, 

May time see its g-lories increase! 



44 RANDOM RHYMES 



SONG OF THE TRAMP. 

I'M a gentleman of leisure, 
I 'm a tourist, don't you know, 
Merely travelin' for pleasure, 
Idly wandVin' to and fro; 

Never g-rumblin' tho I Ve got to 
Get along- without an auto. 

Life for me 's one long- vacation, 

And I makes the most of it; 
Anywhere 's my destination — 
When I g-ets there then I flit; 
For I 'm told by men judicial, 
Chang-e for me is beneficial. 

Here, perchance, a day I '11 linger; 
There, mayhap, I '11 stop a week; 
Then I '11 toiler Fate's cold finger. 
Strike a town — and take a sneak; 
For the Mayor may not be lenient 
And a stone-pile 's too convenient. 

Like a king- his tribute takin', 

On I g-o, from spot to spot; 
Levy here for share of bakin', 
There I gets my coffee hot; 
Shady sward 1 use for table. 
Bedroom? In a barn or stable. 



SONG OF THK TRAMP 45 



Sometimes on the cars I travel: 

Special train — no charge to pay; 
Till a brakeman starts to cavil, 
Then I softly slide away; 

Grates my ears to hear men cussin' 
And I hate this useless fussin'. 

Yet I 'm happy in my roamin', 
Seldom by a ca.re oppressed; 
I 'm no pig-eon, quickly homin' — 
Home is where I am a g'uest. 
I 've no sentimental pinin', 
Like a cat for old home whinin\ 

I 'm a g-entleman of leisure; 

I 'm a tourist, don't you see? 
Others sweat and dig- for treasure 
Then divide it up v/ith me; 

Wall street never g-ives me worry, 
And I seldom have to hurry. 



46 RANDOM RHYMES 



SPRING. 



^PRING is like a maiden coj, 
'^^ Peeping- at an anxious boy — ■ 
Torturing- and teasing- him, 
Pitying- and pleasing- him. 
Spring- bestows a smile to cheer, 
Making us believe she's here, 
Then contrives to disappear; 
So the hussj g-laddens Us, 
Then she frowns and saddens us. 

Naug-hty tricks are these to play! 

When she comes she ought to stay 
Well-behaved to charm us all, 
And with love to warm us all. 

But she fools the tender flowers 

With her smiles between the showers; 

And the birds have wasted hours 
Building- houses bootlessly, 
Warming wee eggs fruitlessly. 

Spring 's a sinner. Spring 's a saint; 
She is curious, odd and quaint; 

Truly she is feminine — 

Put a little lemon in 
Sugared water: that's her kind — 
We'll omit the bitter rind; 
Yet we love her: never mind 

Her bewildering silliness, 

Wavering warmth and chillinesSc 



ARTISTIC JACK 47- 



ARTISTIC JACK. 

^ING ho! for merry Mister Frost, 
^-^ Who paints our cheeks andnosest 
His crystals tossed, on panes embossed, 
Take most artistic poses. 

Our muddy streets he breathes upon, 

And lo! as if by mag-ic, 
The mud is gone — turned into stone, 

And Councilmen look tragic. 

Lace curtains? They're put in the shade 

When Jack is operating; 
No loom e'er made, nor shop displayed 

Such skill in decorating. 

Upon the icy sidewalk tread 
As lightly as you can, sir; 

Or else, instead, upon your head, 
You '11 be a sportive dancer! 

He's made good ice upon the creek; 

It 's strong and clear and glassy 
And hard and slick, come, hurry quick, 

And bring along your lassie. 



48 RANDOM RHYMES 



Sing ho! for Jack's delig-htful ice, 

On which we '11 try, while speeding-, 

Some new device — and in a trice 

We have a nose that 's bleeding! 

Of artists Jack is surely king: 

He has a natural talent. 
He has a fling at everything, 

Nor misses maid nor gallant. 



TO GRIF ALEXANDER 49^ 



TO GJRIF ALEXANDER 

QING, sing-, je poets, if you will, 
^^^ Of g"ods upon Olympic hill; 
On Grecian heroes work your skill, 

And rant like Hector; 
Of food ambrosial eat your fill: 

Your drink be nectar! 

Or, would ye touch the martial vein. 
Sing- how the gory crimson stain 
Lay thick upon the sodden plain, 

And roar of battle, 
And yells of vengeance, shrieks of pain, 

Made welkin rattle! 

Perchance, forsooth, the pastoral scene 
May wake your muse, and all serene 
Amid a show of living- green. 

For happy lovers 
Ye tune your lilting lute, and lean 

'Neath leafy covers. 

E'en though it be an epic fire, 

Or odes that to the heavens aspire, 

Or serenades upon the lyre, 

Or sad repining — 
Of all the heart will surely tire, 

Except on — dining. 



50 RANDOM RHYMES 



So, when Grif Alex, strikes the string's 

And from the Smoky City sing's 

Of " 'taters, herbs, and other thing's," 

We cease our napping- — 
The air is full of spirit-wing-s, 

And we hear rapping-! 

We smell the smell of lamb a-roast, 
Nor care we for its Banquoed ghost, 
Green peas and spear-mint sauce almost 

Go down one's throttle — 
Nor care if Barmecidal host 

Pass not the bottle. 

A '*poem that we need n't know?" 
Why, bless you, sing a score or so — 
That kind is relished here below, 

For we are human, 
And love what's human, even though 

It be a woman. 



V/HAT AGE IS THIS? 51 



WHAT AGE IS THIS? 

LISTEN to our greatest sag-es: 
Man has passed through many ages, 
Rising by successive stages, 
Till he 's reached his present station; 
Proud, too, of his elevation. 

First we find him using wood 
For a weapon. Nov/, you should 
Read of Abel, foully slain 
By his wretched brother, Cain; 
Also, read of old Australia, 
How the Bushmen would assail 3^e, . 
Rushing out in howling gang-s, 
Flinging crooked boomerangs. 

Then we find him using bonej. 
Giving weapons sharper tone. 
Just at present, even so 
Does the greasy Eskimo. 

Then, progressing, up he picks 
Heavy stones to load his sticks; 
Grooves them, so they '11 bind on tight. 
Sharpens them, to make them bite. 



52 RANDOM RHYMKS 



' Then he hits on something- new. 
Adding- bows and arrows to 

■ Stock of weapons — and this pag^e 
History knows as the "Stone Ag-e." 

Next behold him working in 
Mines of copper and of tin, 
Melting both the metals down 
Till Ihey 're done a dirtj brown, 
Molding knife and ax and sword. 
Now another page he 's scored, 
And the very knowing ones 
Call this time the ''Age of Bronze." 

Look again: we see him find 
Iron, and he leaves behind 
Brittle bronze, and makes his arms 

"Out of stuff that has more charms — 
Stronger, sharper, tougher far, 
Proper thing for peace or war. 
When he 's in this higher stage 

:He has reached the "Iron Age." 

Marching onward in his quest, 
Now we find him at his best, 
Using all the things he's known — • 
Iron and wood and bone and stone. 
And ten thousand other things 
To his many needs he brings. 



WHAT AGE IS THIS? BSl 



What's the present ag"e? you ask; 
Answer 's not an easy task. 
Some '^Electric Age" do name it; 
Others just as stoutly claim it 
Properly is "Age of Steel;" 
Many in this section feel 
"Age of Oil" or ''Age of Gas" 
For its title ought to pass; 
Some insist on "Age of Vapor;" 
Others call it "Age of Paper." 

In past ages men have fought 
With the weapons that were wrought 
Giving to each age its name — 
'*Stone Age," "Bronze Age" — and the same 
Rule holds good the present day, 
When the weapons most in play 
Are the papers. Don't you see? 
On this point let us agree, 
And conclude the proper caper 
Is to call this "Age of Paper." 



54 KAN DOM KIIYMES 



A HAPPY KKW YKA.R 

HURRAH for a Happy New Year! 
May trouble and care disappear! 
May joy take their places, 
With smiles on all faces 
Replacing- the frown or the tear! 

Here 's luck to the driller for oil! 
May g-rease be reward of his toil! 

His drill never rusty, 

His holes never dusty, 
And never a kink in his coil! 

Here 's wishing- the farmer the best! 
May he with a.bundance be blessed! 

His produce be doubled, 

His sleep be untroubled. 
For he 's the support of the rest. 

And here 's to kind woman, whose love, 
Like manna come down from above, 

Gives strength to the jaded 

And life to the faded: 
May joy fit her heart like a g-love! 



A HAPPY NEW YEAR 55 



And here 's to the children! May they 
Enjoy themselves every day; 

May duty be pleasure, 

And Time never measure 
The moments they pass in their play! 

And here 's a g-ood will to the rich! 
Here 's hoping- their palms will not itch, 

But find that in giving- 

Is richest of living-, — 
For Fortune 's a fickle old witch. 

Here 's hope for the poor! May they know 
More comforts in life here below! 

May Fortune surprise them, 

So those who despise them 
Will put them in Quality Row! 

Hurrah for a Happy New Year! 
While spinning- around on this sphere. 

May kindliness flourish, 

And everyone cherish 
The blessing-s we find with us here! 



56 RANDOM RHYMES 



THE HAMMOCK-BOAT 

rAR, far away I sail, 
Rocked g-etitly to and fro; 
The balmy summer g-ale 

Makes music soft and low, 
And carries odors sweet 

From flowers as I float; 
Oh, better craft no breezes waft 
Than this, my hammock-boat! 
To and fro, 
Here I go. 
In my hammock-boat; 
Gently tossing-. 
Oceans crossing-, 
On and on I float. 

Your launch may softly g-lide 

On an untroubled stream; 
Your yacht stem ocean's tide 

In vain search of a dream: 
In hammock-boat I lie, 

Nor sail nor oar require. 
Yet will it bear me anywhere, 

Unto my heart's desire. 



the: hammock-boat 57' 



To and fro, 

Hig-h and low, 
Rocks mj hammock-boat; 

Time unheeding". 

Onward speeding;, 
Over seas I float. 

In it the storms I brave 
Of torrid Indian Sea; 
The great Pacific's wave 

No terror has for me; 
From isle to isle I rove. 
Nor fear a pilot fleet: 
Where'er I roam, I 'm still at home- 
Mj hammock-boat 's complete! 
To and fro. 
Breezes blow 
On my hammock-boat; 
Love is gleaming" 
On my dreaming — 
Thus I 'd ever float! 



58 KANDOM RHYMES 



FROM THE HILL 

THE breath of early morn is wondrous 
sweet, 
No matter where — in garden or in field, 
Or in the scarcely wakened city street; 

But nowhere does it sweeter frag^rance yield 
Than on the lofty summit of this hill. 
Where joyfully my eager lungs I fill. 

Upon the grassy crest I stand alone, 

By snowy mist enclosed on every side; 
Like one upon a desert islet thrown, 

Whose wistful eyes see nought but ocean's 
tide. 
While every wave against his foothold hurled 
Shows how has shrunk his once majestic 
world. 

The sun has burst the fetters of the night; 

His level beams already have the force 
To move the heavy mist, and vast and white 

The phantom billows roll, in mazy course, 
Beat back by crag, and torn by sturdy tree; 
Here rising high, there sinking hopelessly. 



FROM THE HILL 59 



Pierced by the burning- arrov/s of their foe, 
These airy monsters writhe in direst pain, 

Now yielding glimpses of the earth below. 
Now rushing o'er me, hiding all again; 

Now like a faint, uncertain vision, fled — 

And far around a noble scene is spread. 



The Valley of Ohio I Ever new. 

Like well-tried friendship! It was my de- 
light 
In boyhood's day to watch thy distant blue 

Melt sadly in the blackness of the nig*ht. 
Or see, as now, the glorious sun destroy 
The mist of morn and give the world new joy. 

B3' this September sun, 1 now behold 
Another Kden, and these rugged heights 

Encompass it as Eden's walls of old; 
Or here, enjoying thousands of delights, 

Might Rasselas with Nekayah have dwelt, 

Nor longing for another world have felt. 

From hill to vale, and vale to hill, I gaze. 
And ever at the placid stream that flows 

With gentle strength through fields of ripen- 
ing maize. 
Dividing where green isles its force oppose. 

Forever moving to the distant West, 

And bearing wealth of empires on its breast. 



60 RANDOM RHYMES 



Since first I knew that stream long- jears have 
flown, 
Years that have brought their changes, joy 
and pain, 
Yet to my heart the times are freshly known 

When as a boy I coursed the icy plain, 
Or plunged exulting in the limpid tide, 
Or fragile craft upon its bosom plied. 

And were it given me to once again 

Go through this life, selecting where to 
dwell 
Its various times, I 'd choose to live as then, 

In boyhood, by the stream I love so well. 
With hills and hollows, plains and shingly 

shore. 
Where oft I loitered in the days of yore. 



BERRY 4^IMK 61 



BERRY TIME 



UP to the hills, ere yet the sun 
His daily labor has beg"un, 
The berry pickers rush; 
With clanking-, clinking- cups and pails, 
With frequent "hurry-ups" and hails, 
They press into the brush. 

The shining- fruit hangs high and low. 
Oh, never was more tempting- show 

To lure an ardent crew! 
The fever 's on, and each one hurries 
To fill his measure first with berries. 

And claim the honor due. 

Who gives a thought to piercing* thorn? 
Who cares for clothing- v^et and torn. 

While rivalry runs hig-h? 
The deadly copperhead 's forg-ot. 
The hissing- viper gets no thoug-ht. 

While absent from the eye. 

The sun g-ets high — his fervid beam 
Converts the dew to fleeting- steam; 

Few can endure the heat, 
And leaving- now the open g-lade, 
Far deeper in the woody shade. 

Still picking-, they retreat. 



62 RANDOM RHYMES 



Here is the richest, largest fruit, 
Well \vorthy of a long- pursuit 

Through many a thorny trail; 
And oft the treacherous hand will slip 
The choicest berry to the lip 

Instead of to the pail. 

The buckets filled, they homeward tramp, 
Bedrag-g-led, dust}-, stained and damp, 

Yet proud of what they 've done; 
Who would not turn back thirty years, 
When clink of pail and cup he hears, 

To share the simple fun? 



EVKI.YN 6S 



EVELYN 

CHUBBY little Evelyn 
Came last week to visit us, 
Lifting- up her dimpled chin, 
Giving" everyone a buss; 
Soon as she had entered in, 
House belonged to Evelyn. 

As a visitor she came — 

As a conqueror she stayed; 
On the household laid a claim, 
And possession g-ood she made. 
Many a princess there has been 
But not one like Evelyn. 

Princess? Nay, she is a queen, 

With a scepter in her hand; 
Soon as slightest nod is seen, 
See us rush at her command — 
Anxious is each one to win 
Gracious smile from Evelyn. 



RAN»OM RHYMRS 



Loving- subjects are we all, 

Though we must her favors share 
With a certain darkey doll, 
Likewise one devoid of hair; 
But all folks are kith and kin 
In the eyes of Evelyn. 

Happy little queen is she, 

Full of smiles the livelong- day! 
Happy should her subjects be, 
For she wants them all to play I 
Happy may the kind Fate spin 
Thread of life for Evelyn! 



ANTICIPATION 65 



ANTICIPATION 

ON the hills the lamb is bleating", 
Fling-itig" tail to sunlit air; 
Soon the iamb will make g'ood eating-, 
Roasted with a proper care. 

In the g-arden peas are springing-. 

Making- pleasant verdant rows; 
Eng-lish sparrows o' er them wing-ing- 

Tell of future Kng-lish foes. 

Near the kitchen door is spearmint, 
Scattering- fragrance all around; 

Sensible of g-reat endearment, 

To it are my heart-strings bound. 

Eitsoons, when the sun is v>^armer, 
Yet before the summer 's here, 

You may see a mimic farmer 
Glowing with a hearty cheer. 

Lamb and peas and mint so fragrant 
Form a combine hard to beat; 

And imagination vagrant 

Stops its wanderings at the treat. 



<)6 RANDOM RHYMES 



THE OLD MAN. 

OLD man, whose locks are like the snow, 
Why mournest thou? 
Why droops thy head in sorrow low? 
Why do the dimming- tear-drops flow? 
Why roug-h and wrinkled is thy brow? 

'*0 youth, when thou shalt see the prime 

Of manhood pass; 
When thou shalt lose the laughing- rhyme, 
And feel an unrelenting time 

Write in blank verse upon thy face; 

"When love shall lag-, and fame shall flee, 

Then wilt thou know — 
Dim shapes will haunt thy memory. 
Regret will come, and thou shalt be 

Led by strange fancies to and fro. 

''I weep because my world is old, 

And soon will die; 
Because the years that o' er me rolled 
Have left me thin, and worn, and cold, 

And cheerless, starless, is my sky." 



ON THE OHIO 67 



ON THE OHIO 

HERE sang mj lady on a summer eve, 
While from the resting- oars fell slowly 
The g-listening drops, as loth they were to leave 
The air of song-, so pure and holy. 

The bird's rich matin no more rapture bring-s 
To one who wakes from peaceful slumber. 

Nor music of the coming angels' wings 

To him whose days have run their number. 

Dreams, visions of the future and the past, 
Were all forgotten in that pleasure; 

I only felt — could this forever last, 
My soul could wish no fuller measure.-. 



68 RANDOM RHYMES 



PKGGY DETECTED. 

Q LIPPING g-etitly down the stairs, 
"^^ I caught Peggy unawares, 

Graceful curtseys making; 
Not a soul but she was there — 
Peggy, blue-eyed, rosy, fair. 
Smiling, bowing to the air. 

While my heart was aching. 

Aching for a smile from her. 
For I was her worshiper, 

And would give all gladly 
Would she bow and smile to me; 
Hard it was to stand and see 
Favors wasted lavishly, 

Which I longed for madly. 

* 'Cruel Peggy!" then I cried, 
* 'Wasting smiles to me denied! 

Blush in your detection! " 
•Startled, Peggy turned quite red; 
"I was practicing," she said: 
Then she smiled and bowed her head- 

Practice brought perfection! 



HOT WEATKKR 69 



HOT WEATHER. 

^^\ A ^ HAT is told by everybody must be so;" 
VV That 's an axiom I picked up long" ago; 

So when people that I meet 

Tell how dreadful is the heat, 
r m inclined to think the temperature aglow. 

Yet the constant repetition makes me tired; 

Many statements of the case are not required 
To impress upon my mind 
That the weather man's inclined 

Too'erdothe thing, and that he should be 
fired. 

While the perspiration's dripping- off my nose, 
An acquaintance comes the secret to disclose 

That the atmosphere is hot! 

But I rather wish he 'd not. 
For it turns the warmest friends to coolest 
foes. 

IrCt the weather man enjoy his little jest 
In predicting" cooler weather from the west; 

Every day he gives me hope 

So I do not sadly mope; 
And I steam along" and try to do my best. 



KAN DOM RHYMES 



I console myself with this immortal thoug^ht; 
Cooler weather heretofore has followed hot; 

If it miss connection now 

There will be a pretty row, 
For the mercury 's about the melting- spot. 



i,ove's domain 71 



LOVE'S DOMAIN. 

COME where the green sward makes 
A stage for fairy folk ; 
Where bud of violet breaks 
Beyond its sheltering cloak. 

Come where the free bird tries 

Its wild and happy note; 
Where radiant butterflies 

Like air}^ flowers float. 

Come where the rose bush bends; 

Where droops the columbine; 
Where stalwart maple lends 

Its strength to clinging vine. 

Where bright eyed squirrels race, 

Secure in leafy covers; 
There is the hallowed place 

That nature made for lovers. 

With butterflies and birds, 
With flowers blooming near, 

There may we breathe the words 
That none but us should hear. 



72 RANDOM RHYMES 



THE ART OP LIVING. 

LIVE as you' d live on forever, 
Live as tomorrow you' d die — 
This is the cream of endeavor, 
Essence of how and of why. 

Passing the years of the Psalmist, 
Yet little weakened with age, 

Brain yet at clearest and calmest, 
Stood by the fountain the sage. 

Filled with inten^^e admiration, 
Sought I the cause of his might. 

Kindly he gave explanation. 

Telling how Time failed to blight. 

* 'Yield to misanthropy never," 
Thus the old man did repl}-, 

'^'Live as you 'd live on forever, 
Live as tomorrow 3-0U 'd die. 

''Plan for the years in the distance. 
Build for the rest that you plan; 

Plan with a youthful insistence, 
Build with the strength of a man.. 



THE ART OF LIVING 73> 



*'That is what God is expecting- — 
Why he permits us to live; 

Everything-' s lost by neglecting- — 
Even the hope he doth g"ive. 

'* Always live ready to meet him 
When he shall knock at the door; 

Fearing not, dreading not, greet Him 
Like to a true friend of yore. 

**This is the wonderful lever 
Lifting the heart to clear sky: 

Live as you 'd live on forever, 
Live as tomorrow you 'd die." 



74 RANDOM RHYMES 



YET THERE IS GLORY. 

BACK throug-h the past 
Your eyes are cast, 

You sig-h for times long- g-one; 
When steel-clad knig-ht 
Rode forth to fight 

\Vith g-ilded gonfalon; 
You long to hear 
The clash of spear, 

To see the war cloud dun — 
Your heart's desire 
Is knight and squire 

And glory to be won. 

But all is bright 

As when the knight 
Rode charger on the plain; 

Ambition needs 

No gory deeds, 
Nor rises from the slain. 

You need not cease 

In times of peace 
To give up search begun; 

Just now, as then, 

For earnest men. 
There 's glory to be won. 



YKT THKKE IS GCORY 75 



Then, all men knew 
The paths were two 
That led to glory's height: 
In war or church 
They made the search- 
As abbot or as knight; 
But in these days 
Are many ways 
Ambition's course may run: 
The world is wide 
With paths untried 
Where glory 's to be won. 



76 RANDOM RHYMES 



A MARRIED MAN'S MUSINGS. 

UP slowly to the ceiling- 
The lazy smoke ascends; 
From shelves, in vain appealing-, 
Smile forth my ancient friends. 
A musing- spirit has me; 

I yield me to its power: 
Come forth, each g-rim phantasma, 
And chide me for an hour! 

Here comes a hazy notion 

Of promise I made once 
(Perhaps in strong- emotion 

My tong-ue made v/eak response) 
That I w^ould cut my smoking- 

To certain pipes per day; 
And here I am revoking- — 

A sharper in the play! 

Old Conscience stings me keenly, 
And tells me, o'er and o'er, 

That I have acted meanly 
A score of times or more, 



A marrie:d man's musings 77 



In quietly eluding- 
Some thing-s I should have done, 

Or never quite concluding- 
Some jobs that were begun. 

And many a phantom hovers 

Above my easy chair — 
Rosebushes without covers 

Exposed to frosty air; 
Ag-ain, when rainbirds carol, 

My spirits flag- and droop, 
Because that water barrel 

Is minus yet a hoop. 

My memory 's erratic, 

And leaps to other scenes. 

Forgetful of the attic 

And certain window screens; 

And now upon my musing- 
Intrudes a cry of woe: 

"The saw that you V7ere using- 
Lies buried in the snow!" 

The clothesline I was trying 

To stretch to yonder tree. 
Upon the ground it's lying- — 

Forgotten utterly! 
I dare not search my pocket 

For fear of letters there. 
For memory jumps the sprocket 

In spite of all my care. 



78 RANDOM RHYMKvS 



And there is one thing- only 

I know I can't forg^et, 
Without which I 'd be lonely, 

And life a vain regret; 
And that 's the strong- affection 

That bears with my misdeeds,. 
That saves me from dejection 

And helps my many needs. 



A WKDDING GIFT 79 



A WEDDING GIFT. 

BLUE is the wave, the»sky is fair, 
And blows the balmy breeze; 
The boat is ready now to bear 
You far across the seas, 

And friends are nigh 
To wave g-oodby 
And wish all things that please. 

With Love for pilot all is well; 

He '11 guide your vessel through; 
Nor rocks, nor shoals nor surging swell 
You '11 have, but waters blue. 
And never fear 
But skies are clear 
When Love is pilot, too. 

Up with the anchor, spread the sail; 

Amid bright isles away! 
Where joy replies to each glad hail 
And all the world is gay! 
'Tis Love's domain. 
Where you'll remai?n 
Forever and a day. 



so RANDOM KHYiMKS 



COOPER'S HOLLOW. 

WHAT home more fit for Naiades? 
What sweet seclusion more could please? 
What rarer spot could painter's art 
With skilful brush to cloth impart? 

O'erhang-ing- crag-s on either side 
Form g^rottoes, wherein mig-ht reside 
Dark g-oblin of an eastern story, 
Or ancient hermit, bent and hoarj. 
Who from the world's wild sins has lied 
To borrow other sins instead. 

It needs but little fancy here 
To see above yon falls appear 
A virg-in of a mythic race. 
All lissome leaning- on her vase, 
Above whose brim the Vvater dashes 
And downward thro' the sunlig-lit flashes, 
And singing- o'er its ston}^ bed, 
Or through a foamy eddy led. 
From side to side, as childhood skips, 
By fallen tree and rock it slips, 
Till, laughing loud, it leaps below, 
To join the stately river's tiow. 



81 



And in Diana's silver prime 
I warrant fairies beat the time 
As on those vines thej gaily swing- 
In fashion most bewildering-, 
In mazy circles, like to snow 
By whirlwinds driven to and fro; 
While comrades, on that bit of green, 
Dance for the merry Fairy Queen. 

It may have been long- years ago, 
Here watched the red man for his foe, 
And hurled the axe with thrilling yell 
That roused the echoes of the dell. 
Until they caught the dying scream. 
And crimson ran the murmuring stream. 

Perchance, again, an Indian maid 
With love for guide, has hither strayed: 
Plucked from the crevice lilies fair 
And garlanded her coal black-hair; 
Then gazed into that pool to see 
Her face reflected smilingly. 

But whether love the place has blest 
Or haired here has been a guest. 
It matters not, for Nature knows 
No dilierence in friends and foes. 
But yields her charms with easy grace 
To all v/ho look upon her face; 
And nov/here with more potent spell 
Than in this little rock-bound dell. 



RANDOM RHYMES 



A DECEMBER VIEW 

WHO fears the cold 
Should stay in doors; 
None but the bold 
May try the moors 
Or climb the hill 
When winter's chill 
Comes moaning- from the northern shores. 

December's snow 

Lay pure and white; 
Within, the glow 
Of gas fire bright; 
"To go, or stay! 
Which wins the day?" 
We went, and clambered yonder height. 

We felt the pride 

Of conquest gained; 
Of cold defied, 
Of point attained; 
With potent flood 
Of surging blood, 
Like lion leaping forth unchained. 



A DECEMBER VIEW 83 



There far below 
St. Marys lay, 
Ensconced in snow; 
The winter day 
But adding- to 
The glorious view 
And giving fancy better pi a}'. 

No clangor broke 
Its still repose; 
No curling smoke 
From chimney rose; 
Yet warmth and life, 
We knew, were rife, 
Beneath the cold and clinging snows. 

So hearts may glow 

With love most strong. 
Yet never show 
To passing throng; 
And holding fast 
Love to the last, 
May die without a sign or song. 

Beyond there rolled 

In graceful line 
A stream of gold — 
A gift divine; 
For never stream 
In life or dream 
Compares to thee, Ohio mine! 



84 RANDOM RHYMES 



And far away, 

Far as the sight 
Could catch a ray, 

Stood height on height! 
All clad in snow, 
Yet all aglow, 
For now the sun displayed his might, 

'Twas like a sea; 
Each lofty hill 
A wave, once free. 
Now standing still; 
Caught by King Frost 
When tempest tossed, 
And bounden by his mighty will. 

Ye shivering ones 

Sit by the fire; 
For summer suns 
Nurse your desire; 
But yet will I 
The cold defy 
And to a further height aspire. 



drivin' down thk pikh 85 



DRIVIN' DOWN THE PIKE 

PUT the bosses in the wag"on; 
Let's all take a trip to town. 
What? You Ve not a decent rag" on? 
Sho, now, that 's a han'some g-own, 
Good enough for Mrs. Teddy 

When she goes to market eggs. 
Come erlong ! The chariot 's ready, 
Git up, Barney! stir your pegs! 
Nothin ' better that I like 
Than ter drive erlong ther Pike! 

Hyer it seems a leetle sticky 

On ercount o' Sunday's flood. 
Gee, thar, Barney! Don't be tricky, 

Scrougin' Billy in ther mud! 
Easy now! This hill o' Roby's 

Is a mighty slick'ry bit. 
Blame it! I have smashed my tobies 

Joltin' in that orn'ry pit. 
Hello! Howdy, Uncle Ike? 
Rayther rough erlong the Pike! 

Hjer ther mud is somewhat yaller; 

Cotchin' of it on your dress? 
Orn'ry stuff — like greasy taller ; 

Soap '11 bring it out I guess. 



% RANDOM RHYMES 



Hyer is Gibson. Hello, Charlejl 

Plantin* taters rayther late? 
Yes, it frosted some rigfht 'arly; 
Fruit *s all gone, as sure as fate! 
Well, g-ood by! WeVe g^ot ter hike, 
Trav'lin' on this measly Pike. 

Folks kin see a powerful distance 

Frum ther top of this hyer hill; 
Kinder widens out existence — 

Makes the 'arth a bigg-er pill. 
Thar *s Mount Carmel — see it shinin? 

Full six mile or more erway. 
Yander'sOwPs Head, near combinin* 

With ther sky its bluish gray. 
Tell yer, when yer wanter strike 
Grand ole scenery, take ther Pike, 

Hyer 's the river hill — Now, carefull 

Steady, Barney! So, boy, sol 
Makes a feller kinder prayerful, 

Fer yer don 't know whar you '11 'go. 
Holy Moses! What a cracker! 

Whoa, thar, whoa! Pick up that kidi 
Blame it! Swallered my terbacker — 

Thing I never yit have did! 
Feel as sick as pukin* tike, 
Drivin' on this ornery Pike! 



DOWN LONG RUN 87 



DOWN LONG RUN 

DOWN Lon^ Run fair flowers grow: 
Lily, iris, quaker lady, 
Trillium, too, as pure as snow. 

Hunting- nook retired and shady; 
Bluebell, nodding- graciously, 

Laurel, dark-leaved, thick and glossy; 
Delicate anemone. 

Peeping from a covert mossy. 

Down Long Run the water flows 

Gliding, dancing, leaping madly; 
Jeweled, in the sun it glows. 

Smiling here, there laughing gladly; 
Tinkling over rapids here. 

There it rushes deep and narrow; 
Famous for wee boats to steer — 

Shooting rapids swift as arrow. 

Down Long Run the red birds sing 

Songs of springtime, true and tender; 
Cedar birds delight to swing 

From the tips of branches slender; 
You may hear the merry thrush 

Cheer his kind with new ambitions, — 
Tree and shrub and tangled brush 

Are alive with gray musicians. 



88 RANDOM RHYMKS 



Down Long- Run is many a thoug-ht 

To be g-athered for the seeking-; 
Vagrant fancies to be caught 

While Dame Nature does the speaking; 
Fancies that in after life 

Come to bring their meed of pleasure, 
When the heart is sick of strife 

And the soul digs up its treasure. 



MY COMRADES 89' 



MY COMRADES 

WHEN wintry winds blow o'er the fields. 
And hold me prisoner in my den, 
Although the wall my body shields, 
My soul, undaunted, never yields. 
But rushes to the world again. 

Nor do I lack companions good — 

For they are ever quick to go 
With merry step through gay greenwood; 
Or swinging sword in battling brood, 

Or ranging in a civic show. 

With kind Sir Walter for my guide 

I traverse Scotia's storied land; 
Sail on Loch Katrine's silver tide. 
Or from Tantallon's towers ride — 
A Marmion with defiant brand. 

Hark to the battle's stirring roar! 

By gallant Richard's side I fight; 
At Acre's walls push to the fore 
And stain the ground with Paynim gore, 

And shout again, "God aid the right !"^ 



90 RANDOM RHYMES 



Perchance I'll choose to spend an hour 

With mig-htj Johnson at his tea; 
Or sit with Pope in fragrant bower, 
Or with bold Captain Cook to scour 
The vastness of the Southern Sea. 

Tliere's Coleridg-e longing- for a talk: 
Macaulay, brimming o'er with screeds; 

And Dickens, ready for a walk; 

And Du Chaillu, who loves to stalk 
The wildest game that Afric breeds. 

Good fellows all, of nature kind, 
Entirely free from jealous bile; 
I leave them when I am inclined. 
And they, rare comrades, do not mind. 
But wear an everlasting smile. 

So may I laugh at wintry blast 

While I have friends like these to use, 
And power to let my lot be cast 
Near or afar, time now or past, 
Just as my vagrant fancy choose. 



A LITTLK RHYME 91 



A LITTLE RHYME 

^^ jM AN wants but little here below," 
A V But wants that little often; 

He'll have it so, in weal or woe, 
From cradle to the coffin. 

A little plot of rolling- g-round 

Amid the hills of Pleasants, 
Where hares abound and quail are found, 

And also drumming- pheasants. 

A little spot on which to raise 

The things we need while living, — 

Some wheat and maize, with fields to graze, 
And fruits of Nature's giving. 

A little creek not far away. 

With bass and jack in plenty. 

Where you may stay for many a day 
In dole e far niente, 

A little cabin built of logs, 

Well sheltered from the weather; 

With chickens, dogs, and, maybe, hogs, 
At liberty together. 



92 EANDOM RHYMKS 



A little woman's smiling- face 

To give you welcome greeting; 

A fond embrace with artless grace — 
What joy can match such meeting? 

A little path on which to stroll 

And watch the crops a-growing-; 

A little hole on yonder knoll 

From which much oil is flowing. 



THK canoe: 93 



THE CANOE 

T>EHOLD! The sun, arrayed in mighty 
^ glory, 

Behind the western summits takes his flight, 
And comes sweet Luna, coy and amatory. 

To grace the richness of a summer night. 

Now shall I turn to thee, my long loved river. 
Serenely winding through the pleasant vale; 

\Yhile yet the south wind makes thy surface 
quiver 
And fills, with gentle starts, my tiny sail. 

So, onward speeds my light canoe, well heed- 
ing 
The slightest bending of the willow blade; 
By graveled beach and dripping branches 
speeding. 
Pursuing yonder star through light and 
shade. 

Away! Away! From human habitation! 

Ev'n thus some Indian brave, in former 
years, 
Might have withdrawn for quiet meditation, 

To read his future in the silent spheres. 

Vv^hat mine may be to me now matters little; 
The present in the larger part of life- 



94 RANDOM RHYMES 



Too often have fine promises proved brittle, 
And friends g-rown lukewarm in the daily 
strife. 

Away! Away! These moments are too precious 
To waste upon the errors of the past. 

Speed on, my boat, and fly those mystiqmeshes 
Which would enwrap and bind one hard 
and fast. 

Yet there is pleasure in this idle dreaming" 
On what has been, or rather, should have 
been; 
What warp and woof for life's mysterious 
weaving! 
V>^hat floating- ends may Fancy g-atber in! 

The south wind falters- -weaker g-rows and 
weaker; 

My sail is useless and the star uncaug-ht; 
So fails the life of many a foolish seeker 

Ere he can g-rasp the treasure he has sought! 

Unstep the mast, and let the boat go drifting- 
Upon the silent current, soft and slow, 

An even course — no falling, no uplifting! 
Oh, that my life as easily could flow! 

Behold! The star, that late I was pursuing, 
Now follows me, defiant of my art. 

Like some proud beauty, scorning ardent 
wooing, 
Yet loth to see her lover soon depart. 



THE CANOE 9S 



Mj star thou art, for g-ood or evil shining-; 

Yet not my star — beyond me and above; 
Of what avail my desolate repining- 

That I may not approach the one I love? 

Oh bird, that singest in the gloomy forest, 
Hast thou a soul like mine, that 's given to 
grief? 

And can it be the wondrous song thou pourest 
Upon the midnight air gives thee relief? 

Ev'n so would I, when sick at heart and 
weary. 
Unto my Lord in Heaven my bosom bare; 
That so His love would banish what is dreary, 
And change the shadows into shapes most 
fair. 

Still on I float, the gentle stream descending. 
And still the star and mellow song pursue; 
Ev'en thus, perhaps, when life shall near its 
ending. 
Both voice and light, unreached, may bid 
adieu. 

And so unto my hav^en now returning. 

Farewell, sweet river! Sinking moon, fare- 
well! 
My heart hath had enoug'h of useless yearning, 

Enough of pensive thought and mystic spell. 



'96 RANDOM RHYMES 



A MEMORY. 

THE evening- shadows reach from hill to hill, 
And darker dye the stream that rolls be- 
tween; 
Low murmurs now the deepening- hollows iill, 
And elfin lanterns glance with fitful sheen; 
Yet need mj eyes no lamp, for I have seen 
This spot so oft I know each rise and fall, 
Each turn and eddy, and no night can 
screen. 
Nor distance dim, a part, however small. 
The light of love illumines every nook, 

The smile of love adorns each field and glen; 
It is as when one lifts a well-read book 

And every passage flashes forth ag-ain; 
For she has hallowed all with one sweet look. 
And always will it be as it was then. 



DOOLIN 97 



DOOLIN 

DOOLIN was a famous stream 
Many years ago; 
Like a brooklet in a dream 
Doolin seems to flow. 

Memory makes me stand aghast! 
One and thirty years have passed 
Since my first pin -hook I cast 
In the depths of Doolin! 

Here beneath a rocky cliff, 

Doolin like a deer 
Leaps and hurries, just as if 

Driven mad with fear. 

Just above that cliff there grew 
Prettiest flowers I ever knew; 
Finest birch bark flourished, too, 
On the cliffs of Doolin. 

There it skirts a stony beach, 

Happy as a child 
Jur,t escaped a bogie's reach — 

Laughing free and wild. 

That 's the place we launched our craft, 
Shingle ship or twig-built raft — 
Whirled about like goslings daft. 
On the waves of Doolin. 



98 RANDOM RHYMRS 

Here there is a grassy cove, 
Where the bluets peep; 

Water seems too tired to rove — 
Wants to g-o to sleep. 

And upon that shady shore, 
'Neath a white-limbed sycamore, 
Minnows, sunfish, chubs galore, 
Gasped farewell to Doolin. 

At the bridge it 's deep and wide. 
Covered o'er with foam; 

Here the water snakes reside. 
In a favored home. 

Swimming there was perfect joy; 
Dread of snakes could not alloy 
Pleasure of a healthy boy 
Splashing in old Doolin. 

Doolin was a famous stream. 

Many years ago; 
Even now I catch a gleam 

Of its silvery flow. 

Wonder if the fish still bite? 
If the foam is just as white. 
If the ripples gleam as bright. 
As of old in Doolin? 



FAI,L I^IMERICKS 99 



FALL LIMERICKS 

NOW g-one is the warm summer sun, 
And Artist Jack Frost has begun 
His fall decoration; 
And each new "creation" 
Is lauded by every one. 

The maples are crimson and g-old; 
But oaks, ever sturdy and bold, 

Keep green banners flying", 

The artist defying, 
Maintaining- the weather 's not cold. 

Far up on the hill is a blaze. 
Yet one that a smoke ne'er betrays — 
The sumach is burning, 
Its velvet leaves turning- 
To glories of sun's evening rays. 

The chestnut burr bursts in its pride 
Of nuts brown and glossy inside; 

The north wind has caught 'em 
And to the ground brought 'em, 
Where vainly in leaves would they hide. 



L.of 



100 RANDOM RHYMES 



But chipmunks in plenty are there. 

In search of the delicate fare, 

And through the leaves rustle. 
And scramble and tussle, 

Each anxious to gather his share. 

And children are after them, too — 
A merry and clamorous crew; 

And terrorized squirrels, 

Avoiding new perils, 
Make haste in withdrawing from view. 

Now tremble in agony, Tree! 

Assaulted most furiously 

By saucy curmudgeons 

With rocks and with bludgeons^ 

I' faith, but I 'm sorry for thee! 

Hark! Hark to the fall of the fruit! 
The brownest and glossiest loot! 

At every shower 

There 's gain in lung power. 
And yells that would shame a Pab Utet 

The Autumn is rich in delight — 
Fair landscapes to gladden the sight; 

And then there are chestnuts — 

Decidedly best nuts, 
The sweetest and easiest to bite. 



THK I<ONG RUN SCHOOI. 101 



THE LONG RUN SCHOOL 

ATTENTION, my children! Away with 
your books! 
(The command has their full acquiesence) — 
I '11 tell you a story — I see by your looks 
You M rather have stories than lessons. 

A little white schoolhouse, its roof painted 
red, 

Far down in a hollow so deep, 
Where all is so quiet that lightly I tread, 

Afraid I should break its sound sleep. 

The g"ay tints of Autumn have covered the 
hills, 

Save a moss covered crag- here and there; 
And down the dark hollows leap silvery rills, 

And the fragance of pine fills the air. 

But hark! the repose of the valley is broken! 

Adown the steep path on the right, 
With whistling and singing and jest quickly 
spoken, 

A youthful brigade comes in sight. 



102 RANDOM RHYMES 



Loud laughter resounds from the opposite 
slopes: 
I catch a faint glimpse through the trees 
Of school children leaping like young ante- 
lopes, 
Sure-footed, and free as the breeze. 

And such is the yelling, prolonging and swell- 
ing, 
In fancy the Indians again 
Palefaces are seeking, their tomahawks reek- 
ing 
With blood of the victims they Ve slain. 

From every direction they break on the scene. 
With answering whoop and halloa! 

Over wind-wasted points, deeply hidden ravine. 
And forest paths none but them know. 

The door of the schoolhouse is open full wide. 
The cheery stove crackles within, 

The gathering host is soon marshaled inside, 
And hushed is the soul-stirring din. 

With spellers and slates now the busy young 
pates 
Are following Learning's hard path; 
"Nor fearful are they that their sly, furtive 
play 
Will bring down the teacher's dread wrath. 



THE LONG RUN SCHOOL 103 



They 've learned well the rule that it is not 
the fool 
Becomes a g-ood man or good woman; 
That children are not merely brutes sent to 
school, 
But something- quite different and human. 

But now has old Time rolled his dial around 
Till marking- that happiest hour: 

* 'Attention!" They ardently welcome the 
sound, 
And hasten their lunch to devour. 

The pails are soon empty — then out with a 
rush 
To breathe in the crisp forest air; 
Just note on their cheeks v/hat a health-given 
flush! 
No sign of a worry or care! 

See Goldie and Loy, fairly wild in their joy, 
And Nishia is dancing with pleasure; 

And Myrtle and Hattie and India and Klsie 
Join hands in the spirited measure. 

There 's Ada run riot with Alice so quiet; 

Leota her tongue has just found: 
Now building a bridge and now swaying a 
teeter, 

Now running the circle around; 



104 KANDOM RHYMKS 



While Georgia and Edith are playing- at 
house, — 
Their children are Martha and Lizzie; 
On the hillside are they, deep engaged in their 
play — 
I never beheld them so busy. 

But Daisy still lingers, the chalk in her 
fingers, 

With pictures adorning the wall; 
And Sallie and Lottie and Annie are helping 

The boys and the teacher play ball. 

There 's Charley and Prank, also Robert and 
Warren, 
And Brady and Arthur and Walter, 
And Gotlobb and Karl, too, whose names are 
so foreign, 
They make my weak Pegasus falter. 

I see Cliff and Clem, but to say which of them 

Is which, is a hard one to tell: 
If Cliff is the tall one, then Clem is the small 
one, — 

That much is as clear as a bell. 

The rest of the boys, with a great deal of 
noise, 
Are chasing a cunning ground squirrel; 
To judge from the way they leap after their 
prey, 
The hunters are in the most peril. 



THK I.ONG RUN SCHOOL 105 



And the sun shone down bright on that scene 
of delight, 
And I wondered how long it would last; 
A deep mist fell o 'er me — old Time stood be- 
fore me, 
And said — '"Tis a dream — it is passed!" 

But shall it e 'er perish? That scene will I 
cherish 
In memory long as I live; 
And the little white school, where affection 
held rule, 
Still comfort and pleasure will give. 



106 KANDOM RHYMES 



THK VETERANS 

^npWAS more than forty years ag-o 

* When first they heard the sound 
Of fife and drum, bidding- them come 

To seek the battle ground. 
Their hearts were stout, their hopes were high, 

Their feet kept perfect time — 
With "HepI" and '*Hep!" each measured step 

Marked off a rolling rhyme. 

Their hearts were stout — what though they left 

Home, friend, and love behind? 
Before them lay bright Honor's way. 

By patriots defined. 
So to the sound of fife and drum 

They marched, where fate decreed; 
For home and friend and love to spend 

Their lives, if there were need. 

The heavy musket lost its weight 

When charging on the foe; 
With ringing yell they fought or fell. 

Their very souls aglow; 
They knew not life, they knew not death. 

Knew nothing-, save that there 
Were foes to fight and wrongs to right 

And glorious flags to bear. 



THK VETERANS 107 



And when the fife and drum came back 

From victory well earned, 
But few of those who sought their foes, 

In rhythmic step returned; 
Wounds and disease had sapped the streng-th 

From many stalwart forms. 
And many lay in southern clay. 

Secure from further storms. 

The blue-clad heroes now are old 

And bent with weig-ht of years; 
Their thoug-hts are flown to friends long- g-one, 

Their eyes are filled with tears; 
They wait the time when they will join 

The host that 's g-one before; 
With faltering- feet they tread the street 

And dream of days of yore. 

But sound once more the fife and drum: 

Behold! Krect and tall, 
Their eyes ablaze with fighting- craze 

The veterans hear the call! 
Ag-ain they feel the surging- blood 

Rush tingling- as of old; 
With "Hep!" and "Hep!" each measured step 

Rings true as purest gold. 



108 RANDOM RHYMES 



THE BRIDGE OF ICE 

I MIGHT go into rhapsodies about the bridge 
of ice 
Jack Frost has kindly thrown across the 
river; 
But what 's the use of saying- more than that 

it 's very nice, 
Or that a cozy cover now would be a good 
device 
To keep av/ay the pesky little shiver? 

The boys and girls who like to skate may laud 
it all they please — 
Perhaps it strikes them in a spot that's 
tender; 
But as for me, I'm growing old, and like to 

take mine ease; 
Besides, a corn is troubling, and my bronchials 
have a wheeze. 
And in these days one's hold on life is slender. 

Yet, spite of all the grumbling- and the gro vei- 
ling that I do, 
I like to know the youngsters are in clover; 



THK BRIDCxK OF ICK 109 



F*or in mj heart of hearts there is a feeling", 

ever new, 
Which keeps alive the memory I was once a 

joung-ster, too, 
And if I had a chance would try it over. 

So g"o and skate, my little kids and make the 
most of youth. 
And let the winter breeze paint your com- 
plexion. 

And learn to cut back circles and the fig'ure 
eig-ht, forsooth, 

Don 't try to knock the shinny ball by hitting 
with your tooth, 
And always keep your skates in due subjec- 
tion. 



110 KANDOM RHYMES 



WHEN THK HKART IS IN IT 

EASY task it is to preach 
That we always should be cheerful, 
That with smiles we often reach 

Folks who dodge us when we 're tearful; 
But who can expect a song- 

Brig-ht as that of little linnet, 
When the work is going- wrong*, 
And the singer's heart 's not in it? 

Half of life is spent to keep 

Soul and body bound together; 
Purest rest is when we sleep; 

Then we never bother whether 
Work is hard or work is light; 

Sad that sleep lasts but a minute, 
But it wings such rapid flight 

Just because the heart is in it. 

Sportsman, eager after game. 

Mile on mile tramps on, unheeding 
That his ankle 's getting lame 

Or how fast the time is speeding; 
Mind upon one thing intent, 

Tracks his game and hopes to win it; 
All too soon his day is spent. 

Just because his heart is in it. 



WHEN THK HKART IS IN IT 111 



Old Bill Prosj yesterday 

Caught me for a moment idle, 
Held me up, and blazed away, 

Prom his tongue unloosed the bridle; 
Yarn he had, and noisy thief. 

Stole my time so he could spin it; 
Long to me — to him 'twas brief. 

For the rascal's heart was in it! 

Youth and maid on Sunday night 

Thinking only of the present. 
Give no heed to Time's quick flight, 

Feeling simply life is pleasant, 
Hard to find the evening ends 

Kre they scarcely can begin it, — 
Cupid sure should make amends. 

For the hearts of both are in it. 



112 RANDOM RHYMES 



VANITAS VANITATIS 

HOW lightly lies the life of man! 
How little checks its force! 
He who but now led Glory's van, 
While others at his beckoning- ran, 
Today lies here — a corse! 

We breathe, we feel, we see, we know; 

O'er all the world we tower; 
Our vessels sail, our harvests grow, 
From air above and sea below 

We draw a wondrous power. 

Yet while we boast, we cease to be; 

One tremor, and all 's done! 
Of all our vaunted empery 
O'er life and land and air and sea, 

What have we truly won? 



WANITA 113 



WANITA 

WANITA was loved by the brave Eagle 
Eye- 
The joy of her life and the pride of his race; 
Whose heart danced with pleasure when dan- 
ger was nigh, 
Whose foot was the first in the war or the 
chase. 

As lithe as the panther when leaping on foe, 
As swift as the stag when it speeds o'er the 
plain, 

Resistless in war as the dark river's flow, 
And free as the rock of all feeling of pain. 

Oh, happy indeed was the heart of the maid 
When Kagle Kye strolled by her side in the 
wood; 
But when she beheld him for battle arrayed, 
O'er whelmed was her soul with a sorrowing 
mood. 

One time came the men of the forest from war: 
With glad shouts of triumph they came from 
the East; 

They sang of the battle with foes from afar, 
Of victims they'd given to Death at his feast. 



114 RANDOM RHYMES 



But Kagle Eje strode throug-h the welcoming- 
crowd 
And led a pale captive — a girl — bj the 
hand; 
She stag-g-ered on feebly — her aching- head 
bowed, 
All listless, unheeding the taunts of the 
band. 

The Lily he called her — like lily she drooped 

And pined for a home with her own distant 

race; 

But Eagle Eye's heart by each ringlet was 

looped — 

Himself v/as a captive to beauty and grace. 

Wanita, O child of the forest! Forgot! 

No more in the heart of thy chieftain to 
dwell! 
Forgotten! Forsaken! How dreary thy lot! 

Oh, darker cloud never on loving heart fell! 

Alone, in the depth of the forest, she wept, 
Nor strove to forget what gave anguish and 
pain; 

Until a wild hope through her misery crept — 
A hope that she might win her lover again. 

The pride of her race filled her bosom with 
hate; 
The fierce fire of jealousy burned in her eye; 



WAN IT A 115 



No longer she murmured at pitiless fate — 
She vowed in her heart that the Lily should 
die I 

As softly as panther she sought for her prey; 
She found the fair maiden — she found her 
alone; 
She lifted the hatchet, all ready to slay: 

Then silently dropped it — all hatred had 
flown. 

For there knelt the captive, her hands clasped 
in prayer, 
Her face, washed v>uth tears, lifted up to 
the sky; 
The Indian maid knew not her words of de- 
spair. 
But felt the deep pleading of tear and of 



A flood of compassion came down from above; 

She clasped the white maiden unto her dark 

breast, 

And heart beat to heart in the fulness of love, 

And soul spoke to soul thoughts by words 

unconfessed. 



Away from the village! Throug^h forests 
away! 
Far, far did they traverse the desolate wild; 



116 RANDOM RHYMES 



Nor rested Wanita bj nig-ht nor by day. 

Till safe with her people she left the fair 
child. 

Then back to the forest the Indian maid 

turned, 

But never again to her tribe was she known; 

Far better were death than a loving- heart 

spurned — - 

So, kithless and kinless, she suffered alone. 



SANTA CI.AUS l\T 



SANTA CLAUS 

THERE'S a jolly old fellow I know, 
Who resides where no green grasses grow. 
Where there is no perfume 
Of sweet flowers in bloom, 
And whose farm raises nothing but snow. 

His whiskers are white, and his nose 
Is as red as the reddest red rose, 

He is not very tall. 

And is round as a ball, 
And good natured from crown to his toes.. 

He resides in a palace of ice, 

And it 's really surprising how nice 

Such a palace can be; 

It surprised even me. 
When I went there to give him advice. 

Now, he does n't live there all alone, 
For he has a fine wife, be it known, 

And she looks just like him. 

Only somewhat more trim. 
And her whiskers have never yet grown. 



118 RANDOM RHYMRS 

This jolly old chap and his wife 
Are opposed to all trouble and strife, 

And believe that all should 

To each other be g"Ood, 
And all lead a lovable life. 

And up in that country of snow 
They work till they 're all in a g'low, 

Manufacturing toys 

For the good girls and boys, 
Till they have several billions or so. 

And the queer little Brownies, I hear, 
By hundreds and thousands appear, 

To help in the work, 

For Brownies ne 'er shirk. 
When there 's good to be done, far or near. 

And they help Santa Claus and his dame — 
Kh? Hadn 't I mentioned his name? 

Well, I say they assist 

Them in making a list 
Of the children who 're not much to blame. 

No; they don 't ask perfection; that's true — 
But they think that each youngster should do 

Just the best that he can. 

So they Ve made up a plan 
To insure that each gets his just due. 

When the toys are all ready at last, 

In a sleigh every one is made fast; ? 



SANTA CIvAUS ll9 



And with eye on his list 
So that no child is missed, 
Santa blows on his buofle a blast. 



't> 



Then away o'er the snow and the ice! 
Here and there, everywhere, in a trice I 

For only one night 

To finish his flight 
0\^er all of the w^orld must suffice. 

And this is the night he '11 appear, 
In a sleigh drawn by six nimble deer. 
With his sack full of toys 
For the good girls and boys — 
Let us hope that he '11 miss no one here. 



120 RANDOM RHYMES 



A KNIGHT OF OLD 

WHILE Grif the Pirate takes a trip 
Upon the Spanish Main, 
And scuttles many a gallant ship, 

And revels o 'er the slain, 
Back through the centuries I '11 skip 
To Chivalry's domain. 

I leap upon my champing steed, 

Dig rowels in his side, 
And over mount and vale and mead 

In earnest quest I ride. 
Nor care I whither Fate may lead 

Or what event betide. 

In furious fray I stoutly dare 

The lances of the foe; 
I 'm here, I 'm there, I 'm everywhere, 

A-laying proud knights low. 
*'Dex aie!" I shout, and also swear 

"By'r Lady!" with each blow. 

The victor of a stubborn fight, 

I pause at set of sun; 
Around me many a haughty knight 

His course of life hath run. 
And henchmen hover with delight 

Above the fallen one. 



A KNIGHT OF OLD 121 



The spoils of high estates are mine; 

Yet» tush I they 're not for me! 
Let others idly sip their wine 

And loll in luxury: 
I am a knight whose sword must shine 

In deeds of chivalry. 

I '11 slay me dragons most uncouth, 

I '11 brave enchantments strange, 

I '11 mark the way for ardent youth — 
The whole world will I change, 

So men will know the thing called Truth 
And learn its mighty range. 



122 KANDOM RHYMKS 



PICTURES IN THE FIRE 

COME and watch the fire so brig-lit, 
Ruddy fire, with genial heat, 
Crackling', roaring with delight, 
Driving- \vinter to the street. 

Lay aside your stilted book — 
There are novels in the fire; 

Or, would you at pictures look? 
Here are some that never tire. 

See that long- nosed son of Shem 
Facing- yonder pretty maid, 

Hag-gling o 'er a sparkling- gem 
She has brought to him in trade. 

Beauty brought to dire distress! 

Never painting- was more true; 
Light and life and loveliness 

At the mercy of the Jewl 

Then behind a mountain, stands 
Robber chieftain, big- and strong: 

Grasping with his murderous hands 
Heavy bludgeon, wondrous long. 

Woe betide you ancient dame 

Should she chance the pass to try; 

But, hurrah! a guardian flame. 
Has deprived him of an e3'e! 



PICTURES IN THE FIKE 12^ 



Warriors fierce with pointed beard, 
Roman nose and bushy brow; 

Revelers with eyes 3-bleared 
Breaking- many an ancient vow: 

Maidens fair to contemplate; 

Matrons smiling- on the scene; 
And, in all the pomp of state. 

Sits the King- beside the Queen! 

Bending- 'neath his hundred years, 
Leaning on an oaken staff, 

Stands the prototype of seers. 

Venting oft his quavering laugh. 

Knights in fiery armor clad; 

Priests in g-arments flowing free; 
Clowns that dance as surely mad — 

All that one may wish to see. 

Has a painting e'er portrayed 
Varied scenes of life so well? 

Has a book been ever made 
That can better stories tell? 



124 RANDOM RHYMES 



AMBITIOUS GARDENING 

WHEN Spring- roused mj sleeping- ambition, 
I strode to my g-arden and laid 
My plans for its rapid transition 

Prom waste with the help of a spade. 

So much was marked out for potatoes; 

So much for the onions and peas; 
This rich ground shall serve for tomatoes, 

And there shall the corn g-reet the breeze. 

But when to each plant was allotted 

Its due and proportionate share. 
How small seemed the place I had plotted! 

Why, only a kid would dig there! 

"Oh, tush!" v>^as my cry on surveying 

That pitiful bit of backyard; 
"Such gardening simply is playing! 

I want something worth my regard. 

"I '11 hire me a neighboring- acre 
And have something lit for my care; 

M}^ skill as a spader and raker 

Will show what an acre can bear." 



AMBITIOUS GARDENING 125 



However, at spading- 1 started, 
Resolved to make most of the bit, 

And whistled as if happy-hearted — 
All plig-hts can philosophy fit. 

But microbes from fresh soil arising- 
Soon entered my system, and made 

My back ache in way quite surprising, 
Whenever I bent o'er the spade. 

My joints shortly ceased to be pliant, 
My arms felt as heavy as lead; 

Though Mind had the strength of a giant, 
Yet Mind couldn't spade up a bed. 

I stood in the midst of my g-arden. 
And leaned on the spade in my hand, 

And Mind asked the Body for pardon 
Because of the v7ork it had planned. 

I sigh for an acre no longer; 

I'm not in the husbandry class; 
Temptation is growing much stronger 

To put the whole yard into grass. 



126 KANDOM KHYMKS 



CONFIDENCE 

YE lovers that mournfullj- sig-li, 
Ye maidens that prettily pout, 
Dream not that the dark hour is nigh 
When the light of your love will go out. 

Live ever with hope in the breast; 

Hence banish the imp of despair; 
Let the spirit be iiever oppressed, 

And never be ruffled with care. 

Think not that your life is so brief, 

But rather eternal, and ye 
Shall find, in that May-day belief, 

That joy will yonr gonfalon be. 

Love, as in loving you give 
Your soul for another as dear; 

Live as a lover should liv^e — 

Undoubtino- and free from all fear. 



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